Richard Dawson

Colin Lionel Emm was born on Nov. 20, 1932 in Gosport, Hampshire, England to an American father and a British mother. At 14, he ran away from home to join the Merchant Marines, where he served for three years. During that time, he lied about his age to avoid beatings, but also made money during his service by boxing. After his discharge, the future game show host pursued an acting career, using the stage name "Dickie Dawson" when he performed his comedy routine throughout London, including at such famous venues as the Palladium Theater. He would later legally change his name to Richard Dawson. While living in New York the late 1950s, he married British sex symbol, Diana Dors - then called "t... Continue Bio >>